The 2022 State of the Birds report provided some disheartening news about our Nation’s bird populations. The North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) estimates that almost three billion birds have been lost in the United States and Canada. In an interesting observation, the report found that bird populations have declined in every habitat, except wetlands. They note the rise of waterfowl populations is attributed to the funding and political initiatives set forth to protect wetland habitats.
North American Bird Conservation Initiative
NABCI is a committee comprised of state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and bird initiatives in the United States that work together to observe and protect native bird populations across the country. Their mission is to utilize this committee to facilitate partnerships that advance biological, social, and scientific priorities for North American bird conservation.
Every two years, NABCI releases their State of the Birds report. Each report focuses on a different factor influencing North American bird populations. For example, in 2010, NABCI focused their report on how the effects of climate change can stress native species. This year, the report shows the population trends across several habitats over the last 50 years. The groups of species monitored in the report include shorebirds, grassland birds, arid land birds, western forest birds, eastern forest birds, waterfowl and water birds, Hawaiian birds, and seabirds.
Waterfowl and Water Birds
As mentioned earlier, waterfowl and water birds in wetland habitats showed a tremendous rise in population growth. NABCI specifically references wetland policies like the American Wetland Conservation Act and U.S. Farm Bill conservation programs, like the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).
The waterfowl and water bird section of the report displays the population trends of dabbling and diving ducks, sea ducks, geese and swans, and water birds from 1970-2020. Of these species, geese and swans show the highest increase in population. This trend is due to their adaptation of agricultural and urban landscapes. Diving and dabbling ducks show a steady rise in population; however, their populations are sensitive to wetland drainage, climate change, and grassland loss. Some populations of water birds have increased over the last few decades, but there are at least four species that have been identified as tipping point species. These are species that have lost 50% of their population in the last 50 years and are at risk of losing an additional 50% of their population in the upcoming 50 years. Finally, sea duck species have exhibited a constant rate of population decline because of the increasing effects of climate change, limited food resources, altered predator communities, and changes to their breeding habitats.
The Takeaways
This report is incredibly unique as it shows the importance of establishing conservation efforts to improve the quality of wetland habitats and their wildlife. To maintain this trend in other habitats, NABCI recommends scaling up conservation through a variety of means. They highlight three opportunities to restore habitat quality for our native birds:
- Climate Resilience: Investing in bird habitats can sequester carbon, improve water security, and protect people from climate disasters.
- Environmental Justice: Bird conservation is a multiplier that benefits the health of our communities and addresses environmental inequities.
- Biodiversity: Helping birds improves the outlook for wildlife throughout restored habitats—supporting recreation, economic opportunities, and well-being for people.
Through these avenues, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative hopes that with the involvement of local communities, state and Federal agencies, and advocacy groups, the restoration of native bird populations will stabilize local economies, natural security, and human health.
If you would like to review the entire State of the Birds report, please follow this link to their interactive report: https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2022/
Sources:
North American Bird Conservation Initiative. (2022). 2022 State of the Birds Report. North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2022/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/state-of-the-birds-2022-spreads.pdf
North American Bird Conservation Initiative. (n.d.). About. North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Retrieved from https://nabci-us.org/committee/